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Husk Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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husk

[hʌsk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

corn

The dry outer covering of some fruits or seeds, especially of an ear of corn.

Synonyms

case, cover, shell.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
husk

Typically used to describe the outer, often dry, layer of fruits, seeds, or grains. Mostly associated with natural or agricultural contexts.

  • The corn husk needs to be removed before cooking.
  • Rice is known for its hard husk that must be processed.
shell

Describes the hard outer layer of certain animals (like crustaceans or mollusks) or objects (like nuts). It can also describe a framework or structure in a more abstract sense.

  • The crab retreated into its shell for protection.
  • Peanuts have a hard shell that must be cracked open.
cover

Refers to something that conceals, protects, or shelters another object. Used in a variety of contexts, but particularly common in everyday life.

  • I need to buy a new cover for my book.
  • The cover of the report was very detailed.
case

Used in situations where something is enclosed or protected by a container. Commonly used for protective casing in hardware, gadgets, or legal contexts.

  • She put her glasses back into their case.
  • The lawyer referred to the case documents.

Examples of usage

  • Remove the husks from the corn before boiling it.
  • She picked up the husk of the corn and threw it in the compost bin.
Context #2 | Verb

remove

To remove the dry outer covering of a fruit or seed.

Synonyms

peel, shell, strip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
husk

Used redundantly as the first word, usually in error, should be ignored.
peel

Commonly used when removing the skin from fruits or vegetables, particularly in cooking or food preparation.

  • Please peel the potatoes before boiling them
  • He peeled the apple and gave it to the child
shell

Typically used for the hard outer covering of nuts, eggs, or certain marine animals. Can also refer to removing this outer layer.

  • You need to shell the peanuts before using them in the recipe
  • The children collected shells from the beach
strip

Generally used to indicate removing a covering or layer, often used in various contexts such as paint, clothing, or layers of material. It has a slightly more general and versatile usage.

  • The old paint needs to be stripped before applying the new coat
  • He stripped the bark off the tree

Examples of usage

  • Husk the corn before cooking it.
  • The farmer husked the coconuts before selling them.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Agriculture

  • In farming, husks can protect grains from pests and disease during storage.
  • Rice husks are often used as animal bedding or as a source of bioenergy.
  • Removing husks in crops such as corn helps reveal the edible parts that can be cooked or eaten.

Culinary Uses

  • Certain husks, like corn husks, are used in cooking, especially for wrapping tamales.
  • Husked grains like rice are processed for smoother textures and easier cooking.
  • Some recipes utilize husks for flavor infusion, like tea brewed with hibiscus seed husks.

Botany

  • Husks play an important role in seed dispersal by detaching from the fruit and allowing seeds to spread.
  • Many seeds have different types of husks, such as tough, fibrous, or thin, depending on their protection needs.
  • Understanding husk structure can help scientists develop better crops, enhancing food security.

Literature

  • The imagery of husks in literature often symbolizes protection or the outer layer of identity.
  • Poets sometimes use husk to illustrate the idea of stripping away superficial layers to reveal inner truth.
  • Metaphorically, 'husk' has been used to describe people who may appear strong outwardly but are fragile inside.

Origin of 'husk'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'husca', which means 'the outer covering'.
  • It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word '*huskō', relating to covering or housing.
  • The term has evolved in other languages too, like 'huska' in Dutch, which refers to a husk or outer layer.

The word 'husk' originated from the Old Norse word 'hūsk'. It has been used in English since the 13th century to refer to the outer covering of fruits or seeds. Over time, 'husk' has become a common term in agriculture and cooking to describe the removal of this outer layer.

See also: husking, husks, husky.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,095, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.